Statues of elephants, Maya, Indira, Rajiv to remain covered

The opposition in the state gained a moral victory on Saturday as the Election Commission has directed that all statues of Chief Minister Mayawati and her party's poll symbol elephant will remain covered during the election across the state.

The Commission passed a similar directive on the statues of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. These too will remain covered during the election.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, the second day of his stay in the state capital, Chief Election Commissioner SY Qureshi said that in view of the objections raised by various political parties, the Commission found it appropriate that statues of elephants, Chief Minister Mayawati, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi remained covered till the elections were over.

The Chief Election Commissioner said the Commission was examining the demand of many political parties for removal of several officers who were allegedly biased in favour of the ruling party. "We are examining the complaints and the role of various officers and all steps will be taken to ensure free and fair election," he said, hinting that theCommission may order removal of some officers after their team returned to Delhi.

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